Why I Started a Blog About Shelter Dogs

Let me just say this from the jump: I didn’t plan to start a blog about shelter dogs. I wasn’t like, you know what would be fun? Pouring my heart into stories that break it on a weekly basis. But here we are. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This is going to sound insane, but back in 2020—I wasn’t even a dog person. I know, wild. But to be fair, in 2015 I was deathly afraid of public speaking, and then I threw on a mic and decided to become a group fitness instructor… so I guess you could say I like to throw myself into things.

Anyway, my boyfriend at the time (now husband) said, “Let’s get a dog.” And my first thought? Absolutely not. I like sleeping in. I don’t want to leave events early to walk a dog. I was convinced it was going to mess with my entire vibe. So naturally, like any good couple does… we compromised and got a dog.

Enter: Enzo. And this is where everything changed.

Yes, we got Enzo from a backyard breeder. I wasn’t educated on rescues or shelter dogs growing up. I was told they were “broken” or “had problems” and that’s why they were in shelters. And maybe that’s why I feel so strongly about doing this now—to be the voice I wish someone was for me back then. Because, trust me, there are still so many people who don’t know what’s really going on in shelters.

Even though Enzo didn’t technically come from a shelter, I still say he was a rescue. He was covered in fleas, losing his hair, and the vet thought he had Parvo. After tons of tests, vet visits, dermatology appointments, he’s now a healthy, 5-year-old chocolate lab—and the absolute love of my life.

Enzo became my sidekick. Pup cups at Starbucks. Beach mornings. Dog water parks. We even drove from Florida to Massachusetts just so he could see where I grew up. And then one day, I noticed something.

My timeline? It was all dogs. Which turned into shelter dogs. And what I saw shocked me—dogs sitting in shelters for months, even years. Dogs being euthanized because there wasn’t enough space. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. You mean not all dogs are living the Enzo lifestyle?!

That’s when it hit me.

I started following a few local rescues, and that’s when I stumbled upon Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton, FL. And that’s where I read about a dog named Champ. A dog I had never met, but somehow felt completely connected to. (More on that next time.)

That moment sparked something in me. A calling to give shelter dogs even a fraction of the love Enzo gets every day.

So this blog? It's for them. Every week I’ll be sharing the story of one shelter dog; where they came from, who they are, and how you can help. Whether it's donating a toy, throwing a few bucks their way, or maybe even fostering or adopting.

Because I believe every dog deserves their shot at a good life.

And maybe, just maybe, we can change the world for them… one dog at a time.

Read about Champ